Blog | Rose Red & Lavender

I Love the Philly Flower show. Every year I go with my family to see all the amazing exhibits.

Each year there is a theme, This year it was Great Britain. England has a rich gardening culture and it was fun to see how everyone interpreted this.

The show is divided into four main parts, Exhibition, Floral Design, Plants, and Shopping.

The exhibits are done by companies that have an interest in floral design and horticulture. Florists, garden centers, growers and manufactures strut their stuff and really come up with unique showcases.

My favorites this year were the over the top dinner party, the eggs made of found items, the English Moore and the Vertical garden with the wheelbarrows.

Some of my favorite vendors were there selling their products to the public like Landreth Seeds, Organic Mechanic and Chive.

This show always gets my creative juices flowing. I especially loved the twee little fairy gardens. This is a tough one for me because I think they cross the line a little too much, but I think I will try some out this year. Seems like a natural fit with all the terrariums we have.

Lavender and William were excellent helpers, I gave Lavender my Iphone to take pictures, she really has a good eye.

William was encouraging with his raw enthusiasm for flowers, he really loves color and likes to look at all of the designs and smell the flowers.

And now for some plant porn.

Guastavinos is a gorgeous venue underneath the Queensboro Bridge. It has enormous vaulted ceilings and beautiful lighting.

I was thrilled when Amanda and Steven asked me to create the decor for their wedding.
Here is a sneak peak of the flowers, I am hoping we will get some professional photos soon.

This is such a great space to work in. With soaring ceilings, you have to go tall. We combined hydrangea with babies breath and quince branches to create dramatic centerpieces.

Branch Centerpiece with Lanterns

This wedding was three days after Valentine’s day so we took a quick break on the 15th from being neck deep in Red flowers and switched gears on the 16th to be neck deep in White flowers.

Low Centerpiece

For the ceremony we lined the aisle with candles trimmed with birch and created an arch with willow branches and quince. The arch was made in 2 pieces so it could be taken apart after the ceremony.

Arch

For the head table, we created a more intimate setting with pillar candles, mercury glass pedestals and groupings of white flowers.

Guastavinos

Amanda and Steven loved the results.

Bride and Groom

Mercury Glass Pillars

Unfortunately I was rushing around and didn’t take the time to photograph her bouquet. I can’t wait to see the professional photos.

Congratulations to the newly married couple.

2012 was the year that Boho Chic hit its stride with weddings and when we were asked by a BIG NAME WEDDING MAGAZINE to design some Bohemian inspired bouquets and floral headpieces, I smiled. Ok, I smiled for like 5 minutes and then I panicked.

Flowers

I love putting together wildflower bouquets and creating that “just gathered” look. Truth of the matter is that it takes a lot of time to put together the controlled chaos without it looking like the Bride’s cousin, who “really loves flowers” put it together and I need to be in the right mood to do it.

We were given the job to do in January, and in January, I am not feeling all warm and sun shiney I can’t sit on the roof of the studio with my bees and flowers and relax and get that bohemian feeling, I am not wearing a sundress, I don’t have sandals on. I am wearing sweater dresses, thick tights, and Sorel boots, I am cold! Not to mention that there aren’t many wild flowers are around.

To get that wildflower look in the middle of Winter, I reached for anenomies (a favorite) scabiosa, lilacs, parrot tulips, garden roses, amaranths,  tuberose and scotch broom to create the looks.  I also added some berries and little bips and bobs to give them those special touches.

To get in the mood, I put on some Coachella inspired music, and took a look at some pictures from weddings past, thought warm thoughts and put on my favorite perfume. Here are the results.

Yellow and Cream Wildflower Bouquet with Lace and Burlap

Peach Wildflower Bohemian Wedding Bouquet

White Wedding Bouquet with Birch Wrapped Handle

White Wedding Bouquet with Anemones and French Lilac

Gramercy Park Hotel is a special place.

The rooftop terrace is amazing and what a great place for an urban-chic wedding. They call it Haute Bohemian.

The Lobby is full of 20th century masterpieces by artists Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Damien Hirst, Richard Prince, Keith Haring, and of course, Julian Schnabel.

Your party will be spread through several rooms each has the vibe of being in a private club.

I love doing weddings here, and with so much going on, white is a great go to color.

We chose a more wildflower look for this wedding, keeping the floral arrangements more as an accent than a focal point. The vases have a hand made look with a dimpled orb that has irregular edges.

The groom’s family is Persian so we used lots of hyacinths, a traditional persian flower.

A Rose is a woody perennial of the genus Rosa within the family Rosaceae. There are over 100 species and they come in all different colors, shapes and sizes. Roses or no Roses on Valentines Day. I can’t decide.

There are two camps of people in Williamsburg on Valentine’s Day. The Classic Red Rose or the I am too cool for red roses.

I am torn. Yes Roses are a cliche, Yes they are over-done Yes they are available all over the place. But, like a good steak, or a glass of wine, when done right they can be beautiful and will be appreciated and they can be so romantic. I have never had anyone, no matter how fashion forward turn down a heavenly scented garden rose.

Lavender Holding a rose

Ornamental roses have been cultivated for a millennia, the earliest known examples found in Egyptian pyramids and Mesopotamian writings.

Floriography is the art of writing with flowers. This art became popular during the middle ages when most of the population was not literate, especially females, the object of affection. Each flower had a particular meeting and when this art was at its height in the 19th century, entire conversations could be had by using flowers.

We know that Mistletoe is asking for a kiss, Gardenia means you’re lovely, Hibiscus means you have a delicate beauty, Ranunculus means you radiate charms, a variegated tulip means you have beautiful eyes. Colored carnation means YES, a striped carnation means NO. Yellow carnation means rejection and disdain, scented geranium stupidity, and an orange lily, hatred. Red roses symbolize passion, true love and devotion.

Roses, have their own special language. a thornless rose means the receiver never fear the giver, a leaf invites hope and a garland indicates superiority and merit. A full bunch of open blooms indicates gratitude and a single, unopened rose means beauty and innocence leading to love.

Where do all of these flowers come from? The number one producer of flowers is Holland, thats where we get all of our anemones, ranunculus, hyacinths, and of course tulips. The number two producer of flowers and top producer of roses in the world is is Columbia.

Colombian Roses

Colombian roses are grown in the Sabana de Bogata region, a highland near the equator that is the site of an ancient river bed. The cool nights, warm days and consistent sunlight
is the ideal setting for a perfect rose.

It takes about 48 hours for flowers to get from a field in Colombia to a warehouse in the United States, and one or two more days to reach a retailer. Flowers are grown on private farms and are sold through growing associations. In the past the cut flower industry was filled with problems associated with unsustainable practices, child labor and un-safe working conditions. Now a majority of the flowers sold to independent retailers are certified by watchdog organizations like Veriflora and Rainforest Alliance to ensure that the flowers are grown in a safe, respectful, sustainable manner.

From the time of harvest flowers enter a cold chain where they are stored in a 34deg. warehouse, sent to the airport in refrigerated trucks, held in refrigerated warehouses at the wholesaler and stored in refrigeration at a retailers shop. Flowers can be held for weeks in this type of environment. Once exposed to heat and the outside world they start to fade. The worst place for a flower to be is outside on the street, which is why deli flowers never last as long as ones from a reputable florist.

When choosing flowers this Valentine’s Day. Give roses another try. Garden Roses like the David Austen varieties are so romantic, I mean really romantic, they are everything a rose promises to be, beautiful, sweet-smelling and swoon worthy. Spray roses are petite and fresh, and multicolored roses like Free-spirit with their ruffled edges and peach hues always make me smile. Purple roses like amnesia or cool water look great when combined with white ranunculus or tulips. Don’t be afraid of the classic red standards like Freedom, they will last for weeks in a vase and when paired with waxflower and and an interesting leaf like magnolia, they can look contemporary and new. Just remember to order early, we always pick the best first, and its first come, first serve.

Garden Roses

I love Liberty Warehouse and I was so upset when the Hurricane hit, I was afraid that Sandy would destroy one of my favorite venues.

Liberty Warehouse is in Redhook and has one of the most amazing vues of the Statue of Liberty. It is in an old warehouse that is also home to Steves Key Lime Pie, and Perch.

Tall Centerpiece

January weddings are always special. What a great time of year to get friends and family together to celebrate. Liberty Warehouse has a few fire places that can make it cozy and warm on the coldest days.

We used a lot of light to create a warm mood for this wedding. Tables were set with white flowers in birch containers with mercury glass votive. We also used quince branches with hanging lanterns on some of the tables and candle holders on pedestals.

Centerpieces

Amber lights were  used on the perimeter and on the dance floor to create a warm, glowing light.

Birch Chuppah

We trimmed a birch chuppah with quince and curly willow with dendrobium orchids and lit them with amber lights.  The room was filled with pillar candles, what a beautiful setting.

Chuppah Detail

The Foundry is one of my favorite wedding venues.

It is so beautiful with the aged brick and the ivy climbing the walls. Without any decor it looks amazing.

Cathy and Tom were an amazing couple to work with, so much fun and full of warmth. It is no wonder that Cathy chose a sunny yellow for her bride’s maids and a yellow and green pallet for her flowers, she and Tom always have smiles.

Tom loves billy balls so we put lots of those in. I think the final results are classic and beautiful.

Thanks to Jake at jpweddingphoto.com for sending over these great pictures.

Thank you Cathy and Tom for letting us be a part of your special day.

Boutionniere

Bride's Maids Bouquet

This Weekend we have a PURPLE wedding at the GREEN building.

All these colors, can’t wait….

Hopefully I will remember to take some pictures!.

August is a great time of year for flowers.

In late August, the days are getting shorter, the nights are getting cooler and the weather is perfect. From now until the middle of October has to be my favorite time of year.
Dahlias, lilies, Roses, all look amazing this time of year and are very beautiful.
Mums are coming into season and are beautiful with shades of burgundy and yellow. Celosia with its fuzzy texture and bright colors looks great.

August Flowers

The hanging amaranth, also called love lies a bleeding, drapes and hangs and just looks sultry and warm.

Locally grown sunflowers are also available. The world seems like it is filled with sunshine. Take a look at the dark chocolate sun flowers, like velvet. Mixed with white siberian lilies and beige saraha roses they are stunning.
Everyone always asks what we have fresh. So here is what we have right now… Enjoy.

August News, Big Sale!

It has been a long, hot summer. Time to sow your fall crops. These cool nights are reminding me that fall is just around the corner.

Did you know that now is the perfect time to sow seeds for those cold weather vegetables? Every time I go to my favorite restaurant in Greenpoint, the ones with the Knights, who’s name I can never pronounce, I think about fall crops. All those lovely cabbages, carrots, parsnips, beets, and turnips; they love cool weather and now is the time to sow your seeds. If you have a little spot where perhaps a zucchini didn’t make it (damn caterpillars) or a plant that is just limping along, yank it and sow some seed. Didn’t get around to planting a garden this year, don’t worry, you can sow these now. Varieties like dwarf kale, carrots, spinach and lettuce work great in containers, so don’t let a lack of an outdoor space stop you

Twig Terrariums!Crime

It ain't no Crime

It Ain’t no crime to love terrariums, we do for sure. Twig is back in the house and will be teaching a workshop all about Terrariums. Featured at the Museum of Arts and Design, Twig has bought terrariums to a new level, and the girls are super sweet too. Come take their class and learn all about terrariums.

BYOC Terrariums. Have a special container that you love, want to learn a little more about DIY terrariums? Take our BYOC class and bring your own container.

BIG FAT SALE!
Yip-pie, it is our end of summer sale. Now that your sunburns have finally turned into tans, I know its time for a sale. All outdoor plants are 30% off, All gardening supplies, hoses, tools, are 50% off.. WHAAAT? We have to make room for fall plants, so buh-by, summer plants, buh-by, soaker hoses, buh-by and buh-by rakes, spades, and forks.

Give the Gift of Love. Dahlias and Celosia Locally grown flowers

Did you know that Flowers are a natural Aphrodisiac? They are, why do you think they have been gifted since ancient times? We all need a little love, right? So to help we are bringing back HAPPY FLOWER HOUR, so from now until Labor Day, we will be offering 30% off all fresh cut flowers, Thursday-Sunday from 5pm to 7pm. Our Flowers are Locally Grown, so you can skip the crowds at the Farmers Market and save your Weekend for other stuff, bow-chicka-bow-wow. If you want to be even more romantic, you can have one of our stunning bouquets delivered to your sweeties door. Call 718-486-3569 or Order On line for a single bouquet or up to a year’s worth of flowers, delivered to your sweet-heart once a month for up to a year.

Cool Places for your Air plants to Chill.

Air plants need homes too, and we have lots of cool globes, lanterns, and twig wreaths for your little friends to hang on. Don’t have any air plants? Don’t worry, we have plenty of those in stock too.

Great Minds? I like to think so and I was super excited when I saw my favorite pots featured on Design Sponge, My favorite design blog.

Great minds think alike? We have a full selection of beautiful Campo di Fiore pots with luscious live moss come and snag yours. Once planted, Campo de Fiori terracotta pots will begin the natural aging process, creating a varied surface texture of vibrant mosses along with naturally occurring colors that evoke the classic look of antiquity. We are proud to have them at our shop.

Campo di Fiore Moss Pots

NEW HOUSEPLANTS!! We just got in a new shipment of crazy houseplants just for you. Lots of low light plants for that middle room in your railroad apartment, lots of tall plants for that double high window in your duplex. No green thumb? Don’t worry, we have a class just for you.Creeping Fig

Rhipsalis

GETTING MARRIED?

Have a friend who is tying the knot, jumping the broom, taking the plunge, well you get the picture. Our wedding flowers have been featured in New York Magazine, and on Merci Bride Kimberly will teach you the ins and outs of personal flowers, how to make your own corsages, bouquets, and boutonnieres. Look all fancy all the time.

Moss Boutonniere

Hope to see you in the shop soon!

Kimberly, Enrique, Lavender and Sweet William.

Rose Red & Lavender
653 Metropolitan Avenue
www.roseredandlavender.com

Ok. We survived yesterday…Roses, more and more roses, beautiful roses, the best I have ever seen.
The ranuculus opened and winked at me, they are so happy.
The anenomies are swirling and bobbing with their velvety petals.
Mounds and Mountains of strangely soft thistle.
Bunches and bunches of willow eucyclaptus, Willow.
Berries, and more berries.
Grapey Purple Mikora Orchids
Speaking of willow, off to get more pussy willow….
Willow!